THE VULTURES are circling over Cristiano Ronaldo - well, they tend to target prone, horizontal bodies.

According to lessergifted international team-mate Hugo Viana, Ron (aka Hugo Down) is thought to covet a trip abroad over and above anything else - even a trip in the penalty box.

At least Ronaldo (right) looks poised to win his preseason bet with Fergie. He had been set an ambitious target of 15 Premiership goals, 30 dives and 1,288 stepovers and is on course to meet all three.

You might recall Ronaldo was odds-on to leave Old Trafford before the start of this season following fears his World Cup ruckus with Wayne Rooney could turn ugly. But the two worked things out. Besides, how could things get any uglier for Rooney?

How much would Ronaldo, a £12million purchase as an 18-year-old, cost in today's over-inflated market. Not even the spending power of a Barcelona, a Real Madrid, or a Wag could bankroll a bid and cover his wage demands.

Fergie knows that Old Trafford silverware depends on Ronnie staying - no wonder he's 8-15 to still be at the club next season.